Sobhita Dhulipala: Moved me to see Mani Ratnam bring ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ to life

Sobhita Dhulipala speaks to us about the success of ‘Major,’ and what lies ahead as she prepares for projects like the second season of ‘Made in Heaven’, Mani Ratnam’s ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ and her Hollywood debut ‘Monkey Man‘

With her last release Major, the upcoming Mani Ratnam epic Ponniyin Selvan, and the much-anticipated second season of Made in Heaven, Sobhita Dhulipala has had her hands full. “I gravitate towards what naturally moves me,” says Sobhita about how she chooses her roles.

According to the actor, who has starred in Hindi, Malayalam and Telugu films, her choices have given her an opportunity to quench her curiosity by exploring the professional medium in different languages, and through these languages, delve into different cultural landscapes.

Major is only her second film in her mother tongue: Telugu. Having even studied Telugu as a second language in school, Sobhita carries pride and love for the language, and looks forward to essaying more roles in Tollywood. “To do more Telugu films would be amazing, but I hope that happens on its own, organically,” she says over a phone call with The Hindu.

Major is also the second time she has collaborated with director Sashi Kiran Tikka, and actor/writer Adivi Sesh. Having previously worked with them on Goodachari (2018), Sobhita had a front row seat to the genesis of Major, which charts the journey of Sandeep Unnikrishnan who was killed in action during the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai. 

In Major, Sobhita plays the role of Pramoda Reddy, a guest at the Taj Hotel who is eventually rescued by Unnikrishnan (Adivi Sesh). Based on a real person’s account of the 26/11 attack on the hotel, she regards her role as a privilege, calling it a significant experience. “When a character is fictional, there is always scope for improvisation and room for interpretation. I could sit and argue with my co-actors, with my directors… but when it’s based on a real person and a series of events, the responsibility and intention is to honour that journey, and have it represented truthfully,” she says.

The promising feedback for the film has been rewarding for Sobhita, who has been with the film since it was merely a concept. “To see its journey through so many changes and finally for the film to be out, and be taken in such a positive light, is very encouraging.”

While Major garners praise at the big screen, what catapulted the star into mainstream fame was her role as the head of a wedding planning agency in the web-series Made in Heaven (2019). Three years since the show’s debut, a second season is eagerly awaited, and Sobhita promises that with this one, “The intention is very much to level up from Season 1”. However, throttled by COVID-19, the production, which she admits is a fairly expensive one, was delayed.